Cyclone Vardah: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh On High Alert, Chennai Braces For Storm

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December 12, 2016

Chennai: As cyclonic storm 'Vardah' is expected to make landfall this afternoon, a high alert has been sounded in north Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.

Cyclone Vardah to make landfall near Chennai

December 12, 2016

Chennai: As cyclonic storm 'Vardah' is expected to make landfall this afternoon, a high alert has been sounded in north Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.

Cyclone Vardah to make landfall near Chennai

Teams from the Navy and the National Disaster Response Force are on standby. Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall near Pulicat – around 60 km from Chennai – with wind speeds of around 80 to 100 km an hour. By the time it makes landfall, its intensity is expected to reduce considerably. Heavy rain is forecast in Chennai where all schools and colleges have been ordered shut today.

  • Heavy rains coupled with gusty winds lashed the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai today. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure.
  • According to the Met department, sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts. Rain will gradually increase on Monday in the northern districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram. The fishermen have been asked to not venture into the sea for the next 48 hours.
  • People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones even as various arms of the government were prepared to deal with any situation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Chief Minister O Panneerselvam held a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority.
  • "Arrangements to be made for evacuating people in low lying and vulnerable areas. Relief centres to be kept in readiness along with necessary food, water and other arrangements. Army, Navy, Air-force and Coast Guard have been alerted to be on standby for deployment as and when necessary," a statement from the chief minister's office said.
  • The Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday on Monday for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal areas of Villupuram.
  • Tamil Nadu Government also asked private establishments and undertakings in these districts to allow their staff avail holiday or work from home.
  • Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the armed forces are on standby. Senior officials have been sent to the districts that are likely to be on the path of the cyclone.
  • The Navy said it is ready to carry out relief operations. The ships have additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material including food, tents, clothes, medicines and blankets, in quantities adequate for over 5,000 people. Besides, 30 diving teams with additional relief material are kept on standby.
  • The storm is expected to cause damage to thatched huts, power and communication lines. The damage may also be caused to paddy crops and orchards in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu; Ongole and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the Met department said in its advisory.
  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also reviewed the situation through a teleconference with Collectors and top officials on Sunday evening. He directed them to be alert and take necessary rescue and relief efforts in view of the cyclone threat. Food and other essential commodities have been kept ready in adequate quantities, he said.

vardah cyclone helpline

 

Courtesy: PTI